ROME , Italy -- Captain Javier Zanetti saved Inter Milan 's unbeaten Serie A record as he rifled home a stunning late volley to earn a 1-1 draw against second-placed Roma at the San Siro on Wednesday .

Zanetti celebrates his late strike as Inter retained their unbeaten Serie A record with a 1-1 draw against Roma .

Roma captain Francesco Totti had given the visitors a deserved first-half leadbut Zanetti 's strike two minutes from time maintained Inter 's nine-point lead at the top .

Roma needed to win to breathe new life into the title race but they were dealt a cruel blow as French defender Philippe Mexes was sent-off late on for two bookings in quick succession .

Inter capitalised and they have now lost only once in their last 65 league matches .

The home side had the first clear-cut chance of the match and were within centimeters of taking the lead when Hernan Crespo met a cross from Patrick Vieira with an acrobatic volley , but saw his effort cannon back off the post .

The defending champions were made to pay for that miss on 38 minutes as the visitors orchestrated a sublime goal .

Neat footwork from Macedonia international Mirko Vucinic released Max Tonetto down the left and his pin-point cross was flicked home at the near post by Totti from six meters out as he stole in front of defender Cristian Chivu .

Inter center-back Nicolas Burdisso should have restored parity in first-half stoppage time but his header from Luis Figo 's corner flew over the bar .

Figo himself had a great chance on 54 minutes but after having time to set himself up for an attempted volley , he skewed his effort so badly that it did not even go out of play .

After Mexes ' dismissal 10 from time , Inter laid siege to Roma 's goal . Goalkeeper Doni had to be alert to tip over Crespo 's header three minutes from time but he could do nothing about Zanetti 's volley a minute later .

Meanwhile , AC Milan slipped to fifth place as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Catania . Brazilian teenager Pato gave them the lead early in the second half with a skimming long-range shot but substitute Gionathan Spinesi 's header earnt the Sicilians a point .

Fiorentina are up to fourth after they defeated Livorno 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Senegal forward Ndiaye Papa Waigo . E-mail to a friend

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Javier Zanetti scores a late goal to earn Inter Milan a 1-1 draw against Roma

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The result keeps Inter nine points clear and retains their unbeaten league run

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AC Milan slipped to fifth position as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Catania